Israel Abanikanda has not only been one of the best running backs in the ACC, Izzy has statistics that make a case for him as one of the best in the country.
Today, Abanikanda found out that he’s one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award, which is given to the top running back in college football.
The junior from New York has a pretty impressive resume as he leads the nation in scoring (11.6 points per game), leads the country in total touchdowns (19) and ranks second in all-purpose yards (168.60), rushing touchdowns (18) and total points (116).
For the season, Abanikanda has rushed for 1,320 yards and is averaging 5.9 yards per carry.
Izzy’s eight 100-yard rushing games this 2022 seasons are the most by a Pitt running back since Dion Lewis had 10 back in 2009.
This is the third major award that Abanikanda is a finalist for, along with the Maxwell and Walter Camp player of the year awards.
Finalists for the Doak Walker Award will be announced on November 29 with the finalist being revealed on December 8.
The major announcement that Pitt fans will be watching for is to see whether Abanikanda decides to return next season or to leave early and enter the 2023 NFL Draft.
He’s gone to NFL